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Uva ursi

Also known as: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, bearberry, bear's grape, foxberry, crowberry, kinnikinnick, tinnick

Overview

Uva Ursi, also known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi or bear’s grape, is a plant that grows in cool climates. The leaves of the plant are used in the treatment of urinary tract infections, but more human studies are needed before it can be recommended for supplementation.

Benefits

Uva ursi has antibacterial properties because of its main bioactive, arbutin. Arbutin creates a metabolite called hydroquinone glucuronide. When this metabolite is eliminated through urine, it also prevents bacteria from adhering to tissue in the area. This is why uva ursi may be effective at alleviating UTIs. Though the mechanisms behind uva ursi’s effects are known, there is a lack of human evidence assessing the effect of supplementation on UTIs, so it cannot be specifically recommend at this time.

How it works

Current research suggests that uva ursi may be a useful treatment option for urinary tract infections (UTIs), but there is insufficient evidence to support its use for other urinary issues, like kidney stones or bladder damage.

Side effects

The standard uva ursi dose for the treatment of urinary ailments is determined by the arbutin content of the supplement. The recommended dose is between 420-600mg, taken once a day in three doses throughout the day (140-220mg, three times). Uva ursi tea and capsules are both effective for delivering arbutin to the urinary tract. Uva ursi supplementation is usually recommended in response to a specific ailment, rather than as a daily preventative. The leaf does not need to be taken with a meal. Supplementation should not last longer than one to two weeks.